PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
CANTON FAIR TRIP
April 21 - May 5, 2025
What is the canton fair
The Canton Fair is the Largest Exhibition of Suppliers In The World
The Canton Fair is huge! It is the size of FOUR airport terminals.
There are more products on display at the Canton Fair than you can possibly imagine. Products you have never seen. Products that your competitors do not even know about.
There are so many products and exhibitors, that the Canton Fair is broken into three consecutive 5-day events called Phases.
Each Phase includes different categories of products. For example, Home electronics is in Phase 1, Kitchenware is in Phase 2, and Toys is in Phase 3.
It's almost impossible to see everything. So we will teach you tips and hints to see everything you need to see, find the suppliers you need to find, and make every day count. I've been coming since 2012. I have learned quite a bit over the years.
Why attend the Canton Fair?
At the Canton Fair you can examine potential products in person. And, you can question suppliers in person.
You'll see a variety of options, and you can compare the quality of your sample against other samples, and compare different factories - all in real time. Without the wait or cost of FedEx.
Even better, you can distinguish between trading companies and factories much easier when you engage them directly.
Plus, talking with your supplier face-to-face helps you save money and makes the entire sourcing process simpler, and smoother.
And of course, you will learn how to achieve at least a 7X multiplier when sourcing. Update: Due to the potential tariffs, starting in April 2025, we will teach you how to achieve a 9X multiplier. Don't believe that's possible? Look at the videos below.
(By the way, talk to your accountant. The entire trip, the program cost, flights, and every expense is deductible. Even parking at your home airport.)
What About Tariffs?
A Letter About Tariffs.
(please scroll)
Does the threat of tariffs make China a bad choice for sourcing?
Sometimes yes, and sometimes no.
Tariffs are a very justifiable concern. And any decision about where to manufacture a product should be thoroughly analyzed. But the rally cry from a bunch of so-called experts and fake gurus, to stop sourcing from China is simplistic, uniformed, and often self-sabotaging.
When you come to China quite a few things will quickly become clear.
First, China is very technologically advanced. In some cases, exceeding the United States. In every case, far exceeding the “alternative countries” being recommended by so-called experts.
Second, you will quickly realize that many of the so-called gurus, even some of the famous ones, have never stepped inside of a Chinese factory. No matter what they claim from stage or on podcasts. In fact, you will see (and possible touch and feel) things during your first factory visit that are so shockingly different than what some gurus describe that you will start to question everything you have ever heard from certain “experts.”
The true purpose of the factory visits, however, is to educate. The same purpose is true of many of the things we do together in China. Education.
China has spent the last 40 years building up its manufacturing sector and infrastructure. There are high speed trains all over China, ready to transport goods to ports. In fact, seven of the top ten busiest ports in the world are in China. Roads and bridges are constantly being built, and maintained, to ensure easy transport. Even small factories have added automation and robotics to keep down costs. In fact, robots are so common that you will often see them in restaurants, hotels, and malls. China’s infrastructure enables it to provide fast and consistent production. Its easy to overlook something when it runs smoothly. But most of the alternative countries offered as alternatives to China, cannot guarantee on-time completion of products, and easy transportation to the ports, and to the US.
Factories are much brighter and cleaner than they were twelve years ago, and larger factory complexes include dormitories for workers so they can live right onsite. China developed special economic manufacturing zones where similar industries co-exist in the same city or region. There was a situation a few years ago when Foxconn in Shenzhen needed 40,000 temporary workers and was able to hire them all within 24 hours. Many on loan from competitive factories, all working together to get production complete and on time. There is no other country in the world that could find and employ 40,000 skilled workers in one day.
So one reason to remain in China, despite tariffs, is production capability and infrastructure.
Another reason is cost.
A simple cotton T-Shirt can be made anywhere in the world. Often for very low cost because of the very low wages paid to their workers. That’s easy and obvious. However, if you make that T-shirt out of a synthetic fiber, such as polyester, or a poly-cotton blend, things become more complicated. The ‘alternative country’ that you source the synthetic fiber T-shirt from has to import the rolls of the synthetic textile. Guess where they import them from. China.
What if you are doing something with electronic components? The components are probably imported from China. What about plastic? Plastic injection can be done in many countries, yet the plastic pellets often come from China. Even in the US, may mods are made in China and then transported to the US.
Do you remember the shipping crisis in 2022? Many US factories almost ground to a halt because components coming from China were delayed due to the shipping fiasco.
The harsh reality is that the alternative countries many gurus are pointing go have higher product costs than China. Even with tariffs.
That brings us to the third point. Product price.
The experts mentioned earlier, who talk about manufacturing without ever being in a factory, also teach you how to negotiate without ever sitting face to face with a Chinese supplier. Many have only sourced online and from Alibaba. Many have never made a private label or OEM product. In fact, some have never sourced or sold anything and are only treated as experts because they have large internet audiences.
These folks are frauds, and can be easily dismissed. But even among the credible and experienced experts, people are still often paying too much for products. They use, and teach, methods that are good. But not great.
Everyone who comes to China with me is taught how to get a 7X multiplier at a minimum. Update: Due to potential tariffs, starting in April 2025, we will teach you how to achieve a 9X multiplier.
Unsurprisingly, almost everyone who hears me talk about a 7X multiplier the first time thinks I am crazy. After they come to China on the Canton Fair Trip, they change their minds and start sourcing at 7X too. Look at these videos and find out for yourself.
China has unmatched infrastructure, workers, automation, raw material, and components. After coming on our Canton Fair Trip, you will have the best prices.
Selling products profitably is a battle. According to Sun Tzu in the Art of War, every battle is won before it is fought. In respect to products, that means the battle for sales is won by getting the best products at the best cost. Come with us and find out how.
One other consideration deserves to be mentioned.
Some suppliers exhibiting at the Canton Fair have built an additional branch factory in a neighboring country, like Vietnam. You would interact with the supplier the same way as any other Chinese supplier. However, your specific production run will be made in Vietnam, and shipped from Vietnam (or whichever country the branch factory is located in.) This removes the concern of Chinese Tariffs.
We teach you the correct way to ask this, and address this, while at the Fair.
YOU ARE IN GOOD HANDS
We Take Care Of You,
and We Teach You
We take care of you from the moment you are met at the airport.
Our program includes transportation to the Canton Fair, transportation from the airport, and transportation to all events.
You have access to experts whenever you need them. Real experts. Not sponsors who pay organizers in order to sell their services to you.
You'll begin with a day of learning in a classroom. You'll learn business and traditions, negotiation, product choice, and even role-play to prepare for the Fair.
Then you will visit factories so that you can learn how to evaluate suppliers, how to see business from their perspective, and how to put context around your supplier discussions.
At the Canton Fair you will not be left alone. We will be there whenever and wherever you need us.
We'll teach you how to navigate the immense complex, and you will accompany me as we have actual negotiations with real suppliers.
Nights are filled with networking, debriefs, and more training sessions.
The days between the phases are packed with learning events, exclusive experiences, and meeting with specialists who will become your personal support team of experts.
And in case the education and business becomes too intense, you'll also get an exclusive VIP visit with Pandas.
This trip will change your business and your life.
When I tell people they need to get a 7X multiplier minimum, they think I am crazy.
The first time most people hear me talk about getting a 7X multiplier they think I am crazy. Or lying. Or worse. And yet I do it. Consistently.
Most people have been told by gurus, in courses, and in masterminds, that 7X is impossible.
During class we will discuss the 7X multiplier, put it into the context of Chinese business protocols, role-play it, discuss what you should say and to whom, discuss what not to say and when, demonstrate how to talk with real suppliers, show you non-verbal methods to encourage lower prices, and continue until you are confident.
YOU can do it too. Join us.
THEY ARE ALL PART OF THE 7X CLUB - YOU CAN BE TOO
Update: Due to the potential tariffs, We will be teaching everyone how to source a minimum 9X multiplier.
WE OFFER TWO VERSIONS:
Which Experience Fits Your Budget Best?
Our Mission is to provide a supportive knowledgeable worry-free experience. During our trip you will meet and network with people who will grow your business. You will have hands-on experiences and training that will advance you far ahead of your competitors. You will have VIP access to areas, places, and factories that most Chinese never have. Every day builds your business, and every day is packed with value.
However, we realize that sometimes budgets get in the way of necessity.
The SILVER version, for tighter budgets, includes five days at Phase Two of the Canton Fair, classroom training, factory visits, and exclusive networking and VIP visits.
The GOLD version is our most popular choice. It includes five days at Phase Two of the Canton Fair, a day of classroom training, a day of factory visits, PLUS four days at Phase Three, the How To Sell To Retailers workshop, a visit to a Certifications Lab, a Packaging Factory, and ALL of the exclusive networking and VIP visits you won't get anywhere else. Of course you get full support and access to myself and world class coaches throughout.
Optional Add-Ons include:
- I will accompany you on a personalized visit to your factory to help you negotiate, resolve issues, or evaluate the supplier.
- A two-day visit to Yiwu, the home of the world's largest Product Commodities Market
We will be staying at a 5-star hotel with spacious rooms and a restaurant that serves both Western and Chinese food.
You will be personally met at the airport upon your arrival, and you will have full access to coaches throughout your stay. We have a well-deserved reputation for holding your hand and helping you succeed.
SILVER (sHORTENED)
April 21 - April 27 2025
$4,965 per person
$3,765 early registration
$1,500 deposit saves your spot
gold (FULL pROGRAM)
April 21- May 5 2025
MOST POPULAR
$6,880 per person
$5,685 early registration
$1,500 deposit saves your spot
Scroll to the bottom to see how many slots are left
We bring you exclusive experiences and training you won't get anywhere else.
Learn how to sell to Retailers role-plays.
Visit factories.
Learn negotiation techniques that you won't lean anywhere else..
Exclusive technology previews from Alibaba
Shared events with other sourcing groups
Social nights
Exclusive Panda Tour
Visit a Certifications Lab.
VIP tour of the Port of Guangzhou
We shadowed Steven as he negotiated. We could see his body language. We were at a factory yesterday. We did exactly what Steven did, and brought the price down 30%.
Your Coaches
Steven Selikoff - Product Development Academy
Steven Selikoff has had products sold through Amazon 1P and 3P, in Independent & Specialty retailers, and in Big Box stores across the country. He holds four patents and his products have been featured on every major morning show from the Today Show to Fox Business News, in newspapers and in magazines ranging from USA Today to Forbes to Vogue and were even in the gift bags at the Oscars.
Steven was formerly Global Business Manager for Microsoft Worldwide Retail Sales & Marketing, and has taught and has lectured on Negotiation, Product Development, and Selling to Retailers all over the world including India, Hong Kong, China, and Australia. He is the author of The COMPLETE BOOK of Product Design, Development, Manufacturing & Sales, which has sold over 60,000 copies, and is now used as a textbook in a major university.
Steven has been visiting factories, negotiating prices, and resolving problems in China since 2005. He has been attending the Canton Fair since 2012.
More VIP Coaches To Be Announced
It doesn't stop here. We have more VIP Coaches who will be announced soon.
Talented experts that will help you make your business even better! PLUS we have alumni from previous trips coming back. They will be with us at the same hotel, and mingling with you whenever you want to talk to someone who has 'been there and done that."
Once you are part of our group, you are family.
A word about our coaches - The coaches on our China Trip are chosen because of their credibility, experience, and knowledge. They are not sponsors who pay to attend and pitch their services.
Are you still on the fence?
Listen to what actual attendees say about the trip and what they have experienced.
Total Seats:
15
Seats Available:
7
Verbally reserved, waiting for deposits
2
Updated 11/21 China Time
Important Details
- The trip does not include hotel, airfare, or non-group event meals.
- Arrival should be no later than APRIL 20.
- Optional add-ons, such as city tours, additional factory visits, Yiwu, and panda conservatory (if open) will be available at additional fees to be posted by March 1, 2025. Consider additional activities, factory visits, and tourism when setting flight dates.
- You are responsible for obtaining travel insurance, and Visa.
- Refund Policy: If you are unable to attend the April 2025 Trip your payment will be carried forward to the next Trip in October 2025. If you are unable to attend the October 2025 Trip, you will get a full refund minus deposit. If the Trip is canceled by the organizer, you will receive a full refund including the deposit. Deposit balance is due 30 days after deposit paid.